Two Pitchers Are Selected by Dodgers

The Dodgers selected two right-handed pitchers in the major league phase of the annual Rule V draft of minor league players Monday in New Orleans--Marc Deschenes from the Cleveland Indians and Frank Lankford from the New York Yankees.

Deschenes, 24, pitched primarily in relief in Class A in 1997, going 6-4 with 48 saves in the South Atlantic and Carolina leagues.

Lankford, 26, was primarily a starter in 1997, going 7-4 at Columbus of the triple-A International League and 4-2 at Norwich of the double-A Eastern League.

Executive Vice President Fred Claire said the Dodgers are particularly high on Deschenes, a converted shortstop with an impressive strikeout ratio at class A.

“It’s a reach, but we’ll take a long look in the spring before deciding if we’re going to give him back,” Claire said.

Each pitcher cost the Dodgers $50,000 and must be retained on the major league roster in 1998 or offered back to his previous club for $25,000. If the previous club chooses not to take the player back, he can be optioned to the minors.

Thirteen players were selected in the major league phase of Monday’s draft. The Angels did not draft.

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Former Dodger manager Tom Lasorda underwent successful replacement surgery on both knees Monday at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, a Dodger spokesman said.

The six-hour surgery was performed by Kelly Vince. It is uncertain how long Lasorda will be hospitalized.